MODERNIZATION OF THE DEPOSIT SYSTEM: ON THE ROAD TOWARDS 2025
CITIZEN NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
Together with its partners, the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA)/Consignaction is actively working to implement the second phase of the deposit-refund system modernization. The new network of return sites shape, whether in the form of return sites solely for the recovery of returnable beverage containers or automated recovery machines at retailers.
We will be ready by March1, 2025, to receive and recycle large volumes and a new material: multilayer cardboard.
RETURN SITES
Consignaction: Single-Unit return and Express return
return sites Consignaction will take up residence in commercial premises in the deposit-refund colors. Citizens using these spaces will be able to use the new-generation automated recycling machines (Single-Unit Return) or use the Express Return service. This service allows citizens to drop off their bags of unsorted containers by creating an account on the Consignaction mobile application website, or by downloading it onto their smartphone. Once the containers have been sorted and counted, their refund will be sent by secure electronic means.
Consignaction+ Return to Unit, Express Return Bulk Return
Larger and capable of handling very large volumes,Consignaction+ return sites Consignaction+ citizens, industries, businesses, and institutions (ICI), as well as on-site consumer establishments (ÉCSP). In addition to Return to Unit and Express Return, they will offer a Bulk Return service Bulk Return even more powerful equipment capable of processing hundreds of containers in a matter of minutes.
Zone Consignaction Return to unity among retailers
Located at retailers, Consignaction Zones will enable unit returns using automated collection machines.
We are innovating to provide Quebec with the most robust returnable beverage container collection network in Canada, as users of return sites already in operation have seen. This vast project is a major step forward for the environment, with the implementation of cutting-edge technologies!
return sites March 1 , 2025, the network will have some 1,500 return sites across Quebec, including at least 1,300 spaces reserved for the recovery of returnable beverage containers called "Consignaction Zones" at retailers.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Over the past few months,QBCRA has finalized financing agreements and assembled the teams needed to roll out Phase 2, meaning that the implementation of the Consignaction network is on track and will accelerate.
- QBCRA has reached an agreement with retailers: it will provide the equipment for the Consignaction Zones, while retailers are responsible for collecting returnable beverage containers.
- In collaboration with retailers,QBCRA initiated a process with retailers located near the 11 return sites , inviting them to consolidate around a return site . The concept of grouping means that retailers located near a return site will no longer collect returnable beverage containers and will direct citizens to the return site closest to their business. A grouping agreement is then signed betweenQBCRA the retailer. Other grouping agreements are expected to be signed with retailers as return sites open their doors.
- More than 200 locations have been identified for the new return sites. By 2026, there will be around 400 return sites and Consignaction+ return sites Consignaction+
- At the beginning of September, 11 return sites opened their doors, including two Consignaction+ in Granby (Estrie) and LaSalle (Montreal) and eight Consignaction sites in four administrative regions: one in Lachute (Laurentides), one in Saint-Césaire (Montérégie), one in LaSalle (Montreal), one in Richelieu (Montérégie), one in Granby (Estrie), three in Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie (Montreal), and one in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough(Montreal).
- The response from citizens who have used these return sites positive, and the Consignaction mobile app is very popular. Recycling your returnable beverage containers is easier and more efficient than ever!
Build a network of return sites demand
In light of studies conducted over the past year, and noting that the return sites in operation have a higher capacity than anticipated,QBCRA believes that the number of return sites at retailers (Consignaction Zones) should be reduced.
Best regards,
TheQBCRA team